The Connection Warren-Watchung Edition June/July/August 2018

PAGE 10 THE WARREN-WATCHUNG CONNECTION JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2018 The Salon at Warren 125 Washington Valley Road Quail Run Shopping Center, Warren 732-764-0550 www.warrensalon.com Receive 50% OFF Any of our Salon/Spa Services on your 1st visit Receive 25% OFF Any of our Salon/Spa Services on your 2nd visit With select stylists and estheticians Excluding Relaxing & Smoothing Treatments Excluding Owners Valid until June 30, 2018. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotion. Must be presented at time of service. A Warm Welcome to New Clients Like us on If you’re like most people, you’ve put a lot of effort into getting your home just right – on the inside. Now it’s time to start thinking about the outside of your home. If your landscape is lacking, you’re missing out on opportunities that come with an amazing patio space. Creating a special outdoor room pro- vides space for casual cookouts or big parties with friends and family and adds value to your home. Three Important Patio Design Features To get inspired, consider adding these features to your landscape to maximize your entertainment space. 1. Outdoor Kitchens Outdoor kitchens can feature grills, ample storage areas, small refrigerators and cooking surfaces and can be designed to blend with a home’s exteri- or and landscape for a seamless look. Pergolas can add a crisp, eye-catching level of dimension, as well as shade for guests seated at the kitchen counter area. 2. Outdoor Fireplaces To get the most out of your patio for entertaining, it’s crucial to plan for those times in early spring or late fall when cool temperatures send you scur- rying inside. Adding a fire pit or out- door fireplace allows you to keep warm and cozy while sipping a glass of wine or toasting marshmallows. Include a seating wall that encompasses the area around the firepit to add more space for entertaining. 3. Overhead Protection Another way to make sure you can use your patio for entertaining (despite the weather) is to add a roof or pergola. A substantial roof will provide shade, cover from the rain or snow, house recessed lighting, heaters, fans and tel- evisions. It’s also a great way to connect an outdoor room to the rest of the home if you choose similar materials. Benefits of Excellent Patio Designs A great design will work with your home’s existing footprint and the layout of your property to make the most of your space. When you commit to build- ing an outdoor patio for entertaining, you’ll be able to provide an incredible setting for a variety of get-togethers. By choosing the right materials and lay- out, you’ll increase your usable space and add a luxurious look to your prop- erty as a whole – one that will pay you back as your home’s value rises. Working With a Professional A professional designer will assess your needs – both current and future – to create a wishlist of features for your ideal patio. They’ll also consider the land, including your soil type, slope and shape of your property, to determine the best use of space and help you choose the right materials to match the exterior of your home. In addition to making sure the design functions well and looks great, a professional designer will provide you with a timetable and a construction plan. When it comes to landscape patio designs, there are many great ideas out there to inspire you and these three fea- tures can help you make the most of your New Jersey home. With the help of a professional, you’re sure to get the perfect look and years of quality time entertaining your family and friends. Scott Parker is the owner of Parker Homescape, one of the top landscape design/build firms in the United States, which has also been recognized locally by Design NJ and New York Spaces Magazines for their award-winning work. The firm’s work was chosen in 2012 to be pub- lished in a book that is currently being distributed world- wide. Parker Homescape is a four-time recipient of the prestigious “Best of Houzz” award.. For more information on Parker Homescape, visit their website and design portfolio at: www.parkerhomescape.com or call (908) 626-1100 THE BEST LANDSCAPE PATIO DESIGNS FOR ENTERTAINING OUTDOORS By: Scott Parker, Parker Homescape, LLC www.theconnectionsnj.com